Wounded veterans welcomed with open arms

By Mayra Cruz

Updated 4:37 pm, Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Photo: Mayra Beltran

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U.S. Army Sgt. Shane Parsons was one of more than 260 injured veterans welcomed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. They'll spend the weekend fishing at Port O'Connor, hosted by Wounded Warriors in Victoria. less

U.S. Army Sgt. Shane Parsons was one of more than 260 injured veterans welcomed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. They'll spend the weekend fishing at Port O'Connor, hosted by Wounded Warriors in ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran

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Singers Richard Dove and Don Cadwell were among the throngs of MoMs USA and Wounded Warriors giving a "Heroes' Welcome" to injured veterans arriving at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Singers Richard Dove and Don Cadwell were among the throngs of MoMs USA and Wounded Warriors giving a "Heroes' Welcome" to injured veterans arriving at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Photo: Mayra Beltran

Wounded veterans welcomed with open arms

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A rocket attack in October 2010 forced Army Sgt. Celeste Flores, 26, to be medically evacuated from Iraq. The Pearland resident sustained cranial injuries and has to wear special glasses and hearing aids.

For injured veterans like Flores, the recovery process can be a grueling ordeal that wears on the mind and body. So, small gestures of warmth and kindness can go a long way for these wounded warriors who have endured the horrors of war.

Throngs of well-wishers offered nearly 200 wounded veterans hugs and handshakes at Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday. The veterans flew in for a fishing tournament this weekend hosted by Warrior's Weekend in Victoria.

"It's very emotional," Flores said about the welcome. "I really appreciate it."

The incoming veterans said they were heartened by the crowds of people chiming bells, waving flags and holding up signs thanking them for their efforts.

MoMs USA and Wounded Warriors, two organizations dedicated to supporting the troops and veterans, organized the event.

Army Spc. Carlos Sigala, 22, of El Paso, said the crowd at the airport boosted his morale.

Last year, he sustained a traumatic brain injury and concussion during his tour in Iraq. Despite divisive opinions on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Sigala said the turnout was uplifting.

"Some people are against the war, so it's nice (to see) they care about us," he said.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Avalos, 37, of Bell Gardens, Calif., suffered a broken back and had a leg amputated after a free-fall demonstration went awry in January 2011. He said the crowd's enthusiasm was contagious.

"Everybody there was accepting," he said. "It's a wonderful feeling being appreciated for what you've chosen to do in life."

Before the veterans came through the crowded terminal, travelers passed through the baggage claim area, listening as people sang and held up signs.

Anita Hall brought her 15 students to the airport welcome from a life skills class at Barbers Hill High School in Baytown. The students held up handmade signs thanking veterans. Hall said it was important for her students to be grateful of soldiers' sacrifices.

"They're excited," she said. "They can't wait to shake the hand of a soldier."

Army Reserve Maj. Mike Mundey, who arrived with his training division, went through two tours in Iraq. He said he also received a similar welcome after his service in 2010.

"I'm just very happy to see all the folks from the community out here," he said.

Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Deborah Leaks-Jackson said she thought people should show veterans their appreciation.

"(It's) just to let them know that we care about them, and they're still our family," she said.